Francis the Talking Mule (1950) Review

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Although these films were made five years apart, the later one is loaded with references to the earlier one, making this a fine double bill. FRANCIS has soldier Donald O'Connor vainly trying to convince his superior officers that he knows a mule that talks. The gimmick is a good one (the director later worked on TV's "Mister Ed"), and it's an enjoyable movie. FRANCIS JOINS THE WACS is even funnier, with O'Connor recalled to duty but in the Women's Army Corps. O'Connor plays the mule's pal more broadly this time, and the script gives him plenty of room for clowning (in one scene O'Connor has to masquerade as a WAC nurse while Francis hilariously heckles everybody). Very well done technically; you'll be amazed at how well the dialogue is fitted to Francis's facial movements. Both films have good supporting casts, especialy Ray Collins and John McIntire in the first film, Lynn Bari and Julia Adams in the second, and Chill Wills and ZaSu Pitts in both. A fun show from Universal.

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Amazon has such great prices on the oldies and still goodies. Francis us a great movie for all ages, I thought about it the other day, so I looked it up on Amazon and sure enough there it was. No cusing no nudit when the kids walk in the room. Just great laugh's and fun. Will be going back to look for more.

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Peter Stirling (Donald O'Connor) is a former bank clerk turned soldier who finds himself cast in role of reluctant hero when he strikes up a friendship with Francis, an Army mule who can talk (voiced by Chill Wills, and played by a female named Molly). Ala Cyrano de Bergerac, Francis helps Peter to win the girl of his dreams, a shapely nurse named Patricia (Maureen Gelder). Unfortunately, the stubborn mule thinks mum's the word whenever Peter tries to tell others of the critter's gift of gab: This sends Peter to the psych ward more than once, where he becomes an expert basket-weaver. Several sequels kicked the Francis franchise into high gear, making for a memorably fun series of silly and cute family films. Based upon a novel by David Stern.

Staci Layne Wilson

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The movie was in great condition and our grand children really enjoyed it. It is refreshing to see movies that are wholesome with pleasant surprises.

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I watched these movies when I was growing up on TV. They would be shown on weekends. Watch them for fun. We have forgotten what classic comedy once was.